ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar on Wednesday informed the National Assembly about the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s electricity transmission system.
Attaullah Tarar, addressed a Calling Attention Notice, said that the Prime Minister regularly reviews updates on measures being implemented by K-Electric and other Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to bolster their capacity.
Tarar highlighted that K-Electric is set to introduce 220 megawatts of solar and wind power projects, aimed at alleviating electricity issues faced by Karachi’s residents.
During the Question Hour, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazeer Tarar reported that there are currently no power outages due to generation shortfalls. Instead, DISCOs are managing load based on feeder losses, with feeders experiencing losses of up to twenty percent being exempt from outages. He also noted that smart meters will be installed on transformers in the first phase to curb power theft.
Tarar further informed the House that the Private Power and Infrastructure Board is actively promoting alternative and renewable energy technologies as part of the government’s strategy to diversify the energy mix. A total of fifty-eight alternative and renewable energy projects, with a combined capacity of 3,837 megawatts—including 1,845 megawatts from wind power—are currently operational.
In response to a query, Parliamentary Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis Ehsan-ul-Haq Bajwa stated that 860,000 Pakistanis were legally employed abroad last year. An action plan is being developed in collaboration with other departments to tackle issues related to begging abroad, particularly in Gulf countries.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also introduced “The Pakistan Coast Guards Amendment Bill, 2024,” aimed at combating smuggling. He assured the House that measures are in place to address this issue effectively.
Tarar also noted a fourteen percent increase in the country’s exports compared to the previous year, alongside a reduction in the trade deficit and inflation rate. He expressed confidence that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would meet its revenue targets.
Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik addressed concerns about depleting indigenous gas reserves. He outlined government strategies to improve supply, including awarding new exploration blocks and importing LNG.
Furthermore, a package has been prepared to attract domestic and international companies for offshore oil and gas exploration, and exploration companies have been urged to optimize existing resources.
The House is scheduled to reconvene tomorrow at 11 a.m.
